terre des hommes organisations all over Europe are working together to protect children and young people in the context of migration. Given the conditions on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, the time for looking away is over.
The boat accident off Lampedusa at the beginning of October, in which more than three hundred African refugees lost their lives, caused a worldwide shock. However, the reactions of many politicians (including Swiss politicians) as to how to prevent further such disasters in the future were almost cynical: there was talk of setting up refugee camps in North Africa or expanding border security in the Mediterranean region. The aim of European migration policy is and remains the defence of refugees.
Long-standing commitment to the field of migration
For years, Terre des Hommes organisations throughout Europe, which are united in the international federation terre des hommes (TDHIF), have been working for the rights of children and young people in the context of migration. Together, the organisations are lobbying for a humane migration policy within the framework of the "Destination Unknown" campaign, in which the rights of children and young people are regarded as supreme principles and human rights standards are given top priority.
Schengen and Dublin - Switzerland is involved
As a signatory of the Schengen and Dublin Treaties and a member of Frontex, Switzerland shares responsibility for what happens on Europe's southern borders. This responsibility must not be further shifted to the focal points on the EU's southern borders. A fundamental rethink of migration policy is needed, both at international level and in Switzerland.
terre des hommes schweiz has been involved for years in sensitisation work for a rethinking of migration policy in this country. On 4 November, we are organising a conference on the subject of "Hard at the border Protection of young migrants in Switzerland and worldwide.
Survivors are stunned
In view of the acute situation in Lampedusa, terre des hommes schweiz also supports our sister organisation with emergency financial aid. Terre des hommes Italy accompanies traumatized children in the reception camp of Lampedusa. According to Lilian Pizzi, Tdh psychologist in Lampedusa, many of the survivors are in a state of shock. "They are stunned and can barely find words to describe what happened."
Terre des hommes Italy on site on Lampedusa
You too can support this urgently needed work directly with a donation. More information about the "Faro" project of Terre des hommes Italy on Lampedusa can be found on the website of Terre des hommes Italy
In this video excerpt, the program tagesthemen from ARD describes the fate of a father who is confronted with the reality of Lampedusa in search of his son. It also briefly introduces the project "Faro" and the Terre des hommes Italy psychologist Lilian Pizzi.
